Many customers, however, for whatever reasons, choose to continue using the venerable Windows XP Professional and would rather not have to think about upgrading anytime soon.

So the following is an interesting development from Microsoft:

In a blog post about Windows 7, dated July 12 (and updated July 13) Microsoft announced, in so many words, that Windows XP Professional (not the Home version) will be available until 2020.

That’s right. 2020, ten years from now.

Specifically, Microsoft is extending the option for business customers who purchase Windows 7 to choose the downgrade option, meaning that the computer will come pre-installed with Windows XP Professional. Media (DVD) for Windows 7 will be included, so the customer can, at any time, upgrade the system to Windows 7 without additional expense.

This is an option that many of our business customers currently enjoy when ordering a system from Dell, and it’s one I highly encourage them to take advantage of.

Oh, and you don’t have to be a real “business” user to benefit from this yourself, in the case where you need a new system for personal use. Just order any computer from Dell in their business line, and tell them you want the downgrade option to Windows XP Professional. “Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy” … (THAT’s gonna take a few of you back, ha ha)

Here’s a link to the blog post if you want to read it yourself, but be forewarned. The article is quite geeky

And of course, if you have any questions about this or any other matter related to computers and technology, give us a call anytime at Larson Computer Services, at 701-837-6202.

“We know more, and we do a better job”

I made a choice between two paths when I started Larson Computer Services in 1989. The choices were to be either a) the cheapest, or b) the best.

I also made another choice, between “selling Widgets” and “providing Expertise”. I chose to be in the Expertise side of things.

Twenty-one years and thousands of successful resolutions later, I can tell you those choices have provided win-win scenarios our customers love, and they tell others about us, all around the country.

See, anybody who is reasonably honest and has at least two brain cells they can bang together knows that “Cheapest” and “Best” don’t go together. Ever. And anybody (and I do mean ANYBODY) can “sell” you a widget.

When people ask me about buying a new computer, I refer them to excellent, proven resources for branded or custom equipment (based on their preference) and when they need expert help setting things up, that’s where Larson Computer Services comes in.

With expertise ranging from local workstation issues to large, complicated networks, to web-based issues such as reliable website hosting, online backup and custom programming, there is simply not a better choice than Larson Computer Services. You won’t spend a fortune, and more importantly, you won’t be treated cheaply.

Give us a call at Larson Computer Services. 701-837-6202.

“Because anyone else is just a vendor…”

Starting on March 1, 2010 your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Your work will not be saved during the shutdown.

The Windows 7 RC will fully expire on June 1, 2010. Your PC running the Windows 7 RC will continue shutting down every two hours and your files won’t be saved during shutdown. In addition, your wallpaper will change to a solid black background with a persistent message on your desktop. You’ll also get periodic notifications that Windows isn’t genuine. That means your PC may no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads requiring genuine Windows validation.

To avoid interruption, please reinstall a prior version of Windows or move to Windows 7. In either case, you’ll need to do a custom (clean) install to replace the RC. As with any clean installation, you’ll need to back up your data then reinstall your applications and restore the data. For more details about replacing the RC, see the Knowledge Base article KB 971767. For more information, visit the Window 7 Forum.

Visit our site often, and you’ll see timely articles right on this home page, news about products and services coming soon, the latest on virus and spyware warnings, and so forth.

The new site is a work-in-progress, so bear with us, and check back often while all the pages are completed. Feel free to look around and call us with any questions. Like you, I depend on the things I need to run my business. We provide great tools for great customers, and I’m sure we can help you. Take a look around, then give us a call at 701-837-6202; you won’t be disappointed.